The Sunday Mail
Focus on comfort
THE most important thing to consider is your own comfort level. Even if you buy the most expensive mattress, you will not have the best sleeping experience of your life if you are not comfortable on it. What to look for in a mattress boils down to several other factors, like the size, firmness and type of materials used. When you are buying a new mattress, remember to look for one that is best for you, not those experts hail as the best ever on the market.
Find the right size for your needs
If you feel restricted by a narrow bed, then you need a more spacious double bed. A queen size may be a bit large for one person, but it is great if you like the extra space. King size mattresses are made for master bedrooms and offer plenty of space for couples. Keep in mind that moving a mattress this large can present some challenges if not done the right way.
Firmness labels are not accurate
One brand’s extra firm may be equivalent to another brand’s medium firm option. You cannot trust these labels completely. If you are shopping in-store, make sure you test the mattress yourself. Most shops will allow you to lie down on the mattress so you can test it.
Read consumer mattress reviews when buying online
Checking product reviews is a good habit to get into. With a purchase as important and expensive as your mattress, you do not want to take any risks. Reading reviews gives you a more practical idea of the popular mattresses currently available and allows you to narrow down the huge field of choices when buying a new one.
Firmer versus softer
You need just enough firmness to properly support your spine and other parts of your body. Firmer mattresses are usually preferred by back and stomach sleepers because they tend to provide better spine support. But excess firmness can cause uncomfortable pressure points and prevent your spine from maintaining its natural curve while you sleep. On the other hand, too much softness will sag under the middle area of the spine, which can cause poor posture and lead to back pain. This is why a softer mattress is usually better for side sleepers.
Decide on a budget and stick to it
Prices of mattresses vary greatly. You, therefore, need to set a price you are willing to pay and not go over that amount. Remember to take your time when shopping for a mattress — you will want to be sure you made the right decision. The last thing you want to do is bring home a bad mattress, and then go through all the hassles of returning it.
You should also be on the lookout for a good warranty. The longer the warranty, the better.
Know the downsides of popular options
There is no denying that innerspring and memory foam mattresses are usually popular and cheaper choices, but have a few downsides. Innerspring beds are prone to sagging, are noisy and have a bouncy effect some people find uncomfortable. Memory foam mattresses tend to feel hot, can have an unpleasant chemical smell and are prone to body indentations. There is always the option for a hybrid mattress, as well. If you want to get the benefits of the different types of mattresses, get hybrids like the latex and memory foam combination, or an innerspring with memory foam top layer.
Consider pricier options
If your mattress budget is a bit larger, consider adjustable air beds, multi-zoned beds and waterbeds as potential options. An adjustable air bed may be expensive, but it allows you to adjust your mattress to be as firm or soft as you want. If you find adjustable beds too expensive, a multi-zoned bed is a good alternative. These mattresses are designed with different support zone layers. Hunt for a mattress that is softer at the hips and shoulders, but firmer at the mid-spine area. — freshome
